Failing to move campaign signs could get costly in Fairfax County

WASHINGTON – The days of dozens of political signs cluttering intersections on major roads may be over in Fairfax County.

The county is moving ahead with a proposed regulation that would allow the county to remove any sign posted in the right-of-way of a state-maintained road and to fine the sign’s owner $100 per sign.

Supervisor Pat Herrity, R-Springfield, says the measure would affect signs that are illegally placed in the rights-of way along roads maintained by the Virginia Department of Transportation, in medians and along the sides of roads.

“It does not impact private property,” Herrity says.

The county wanted to pass such regulations previously after complaints from residents, but the supervisors had to wait for a change in state law.

Herrity says voluntary compliance with the concept during the 2012 election cycle made a big difference. Very few candidates placed signs in the rights-of- way.

“It’s a safety issue. It’s a blight issue. It is a pride in the community issue,” he says.

The Board of Supervisors has scheduled a public hearing on the proposed regulation at 4 p.m., Feb. 26.